Palpreet Singh picked in 2016 NBA D-League Draft

Mumbai, October 31, 2016: Palpreet Singh, winner of National Finals of ACG-NBA Jump, India’s first national basketball talent search program, was selected 11th in the fourth Round of the NBA D-League Draft held in New York on October 30, 2016. The 21-year old was drafted by the Long Island Nets, affiliate team of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.

The 6ft 9in hoopster, who has been training at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan, said he had trained hard and was confident of getting picked by a D League team in the draft. “I am happy with the efforts I have put in and I will continue to work hard with Long Island Nets as this is just the beginning.”

Palpreet, who impressed NBA champion Brian Shaw in the national finals of the 2016 ACG NBA Jump program held in February, was part of the 2016 NBA D-League National Tryouts held on August 14 in New York. More than 200 pro basketball prospects showcased their skills in front of NBA D-League player personnel executives, coaches, and industry scouts that day.

New York, NY August 14: Palpreet Singh Brar tries out for the NBA D-League at Basketball City on August 14, 2016 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)

Palpreet Singh was discovered as part of an NBA talent search in India. There are more NBA talent searches planned in India and other countries as part of the league’s ongoing international initiatives. The NBA is devoted to identifying and developing talent abroad both on and off the floor

The NBA D-League’s 16th season tips off on Nov. 11 with record 22 teams. The teams will hold training camps beginning on Oct. 31, and will trim their rosters to 10 players on Nov. 10, in advance of the start of the season. The Long Island Nets will play in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division, along with the Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics), Westchester Knicks (New York Knicks), Raptors 905 (Toronto Raptors), Delaware 87ers (Philadelphia 76ers) and Erie BayHawks (Orlando Magic)

Satnam Singh, who became the first Indian to be drafted into the NBA when he was selected 52nd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2015 NBA Draft, represents the Texas Legends, the minor league affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks.

About the NBA Development League

The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 19 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2015-16 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2014-15 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.